Mesa Partners with The Be Kind People Project on Innovative Youth-Focused Campaign Against Opioid and Drug Use

October 20, 2025 at 11:55 am

The City of Mesa is announcing an innovative partnership with the nonprofit The Be Kind People Project to create educational content for students, educators and parents in Mesa Public Schools and other local institutions. The initiative, Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy™ Mesa is supported by funds from Mesa's opioid settlement allocation and will focus on building resiliency in children-equipping them to grow into thriving teens and adults who are better prepared to resist the pressures of drug and opioid use.

"This is a one-of-a-kind effort that invests in prevention by reaching children where they are," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "By building confidence and resiliency early, we are strengthening the foundation for a healthier and stronger Mesa for generations to come."

Mesa has received $4.7 million to date from national opioid settlements, with an expected total of up to $22 million over 18 years. Earlier this year, Mesa launched a $1 million community grant program, inviting nonprofits to apply for funding to support services such as prevention, early intervention and recovery. More than 25 agencies applied, and $1 million was distributed to seven organizations, including Jacob's Hope, which provides care for newborns experiencing opioid withdrawal.

Mesa's initial use of settlement funds is focused on prevention, education and youth support. Allocations include:

• $1 million for public safety initiatives, such as new tools for Mesa Police to manage opioid-related incidents
• $1.2 million for community education and outreach, including $513,000 for The Be Kind People Project partnership and other programs, such as community navigators
• $1.1 million to fund nonprofit community grants

Additionally, the education campaign, based on Council's direction, was created to complement thecommunity grants program, underscoring Mesa's commitment to education and prevention among children and youth.

"The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities throughout Arizona," said Marcia Meyer, Founder and CEO of The Be Kind People Project. "Addressing it requires bold partnerships and innovative solutions. That's why this collaboration is so powerful - together, we're not just talking about prevention, we're transforming it. By reaching children and families early with programs that build confidence, kindness and resilience, we're equipping Mesa's students to make safe, healthy choices and lead positive lives - in school and far beyond."

Since 2018, Mesa Fire and Medical has responded to more than 960 suspected opioid overdose incidents involving youth and young adults. According to the 2024 Arizona Youth Survey, more than half of local teens reported not recalling any public messaging about fentanyl dangers, while one in three had never discussed opioid risks with a parent or guardian.

"The Council has been clear: the most powerful impact Mesa can make with these funds is to invest in our children," said Mesa Deputy City Manager Candace Cannistraro. "We know that prevention education plays a vital role in deterring early substance abuse. By working directly with schools, this program helps equip young people with the tools they need to make positive choices."

The Be Kind People Project will work alongside Mesa Public Schools and other educational partners to deliver evidence-based, age-appropriate content. Materials will emphasize healthy habits, confidence and resilience-protective factors shown to reduce the likelihood of future substance use.

"We are deeply grateful to the City of Mesa for its continued support in helping our schools educate students about the serious dangers of opioid misuse," said Renee Parker, Director of Community Partnerships for Mesa Public Schools. "Through our partnership and the talent of The Be Kind People Project, we will be able to provide engaging public service announcements that resonate with students and encourage safe, informed choices."

Mesa is the second-largest recipient of opioid settlement funds in Maricopa County. By strategically allocating resources, the City is ensuring these dollars not only address today's challenges but also create sustainable change.

The City will officially welcome The Be Kind People Project to Mesa on Wed, Oct. 22 at 4:00 p.m. at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Media is invited to attend this demonstration. To RSVP, please email ana.pereira@mesaaz.gov.